‘X Factor’ Says Goodbye To Stereo Hogzz

Paula Abdul’s groups just can’t catch a break. On Thursday’s (November 10) results episode of “The X Factor,”
Abdul’s two remaining groups in the competition — Stereo Hogzz and Lakoda Rayne — ended up as the bottom two vote-getters following Wednesday’s performance episode.

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Both groups were forced to sing for their lives in front of the panel of judges, and after a dramatic 3-1 vote — where an emotional Abdul nearly gave up her right to vote — Stereo Hogzz were shown the door.

It was the second week in a row that two of Abdul’s groups occupied the bottom two and faced elimination. Ms. “Forever Your Girl” originally refused to participate in the final vote, pleading, “I’m not gonna do this. I’m too close to both acts, and I love them both,” causing a frustrated Cowell to none-too-subtly rub his eye with his middle finger. Eventually, Abdul cast her vote for Lakoda Rayne to go, leaving the final vote in the hands of Cowell, who sent the Hogzz packing.

The Houston fivesome took their elimination in stride, saying they were blessed for the chance to be on the show. Abdul returned the compliment: “I’m blessed to have worked with such amazing talent,” she said. “These guys are the real deal and gentlemen to work with.”

For their final save performance, Stereo Hogzz — who were also in the bottom two last week — sang Michael Jackson’s “You Are Not Alone,” while Lakoda Rayne turned in a slightly twangy version of the Chris Brown/ Jordin Sparks duet “No Air.” The night prior, Rayne earned high marks for their version of Keith Urban’s “Somebody Like You,” while Simon Cowell criticized the Hogzz following their gender-flipped version of Christina Aguilera’s “Ain’t No Other Man” for being too “cabaret” and for not doing the sort of song they would make in the studio.

Earlier in the show, host Steve Jones asked Abdul what it was like to again have two of her groups staring down death’s door. “It is a nightmare situation. I can’t say any other words,” Abdul said. But in typical sunshiny fashion, she had words of encouragement for her students: “They’re magical, and they’re going to go on to sell records no matter what.”

The upside for Abdul? Since she only has one group left, next week she can’t be the only judge with contestants in the bottom two.

The episode also saw performances from [artist id=”3797575″]Willow Smith[/artist], who debuted her new single “Fireball,” and [artist id=”3818844″]Jessie J[/artist], who showcased her latest single “Domino.”

At the top of the show, the top 11 contestants performed Swedish House Mafia’s “Save the World (Tonight).”

What did you think of Thursday’s “X Factor” results episode? Let us know in the comments!